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We all know the economy forecast in most sections is gloomy. There’s an exception however, because the sun is shining in the startup community. According to a recent study 72 percent of startups reported optimism about the economy.

And why wouldn’t they? Startups in 2011 either met or exceeded their revenue targets and the future looks rosy for 2012. This might be why a whopping 83 percent of startups are planning to hire this year.

Convinced to give a career in a startup company a try? Well stop packing your cubicle, because there are some important things to keep in mind to help you get the startup job of your dreams.

Here are some tips on how to dive into the startup candidate pool and get hired:

Be CreativeTo be part of a startup, creativity is basically required. Startups look at their industry and ask “what’s missing?” instead of just going with the flow. Take the same approach to applying for a position at a startup. Ask yourself how you can stand out from the pack of other applicants who might be just as qualified as you. Think about getting creative with your resume, whether by adding visuals or recording a video resume. Video resumes are great ways to show off intangibles like your communication skills. If you’re working in a more graphical environment, an infographic resume could be right for you. Startups love candidates who dare to be different, so show off your creativity right away.

Be PassionateStartup companies often mean you’ll be working long hours for sometimes less than you would be making at a traditional company. For this not to get demoralizing, make sure the job really aligns with your true passions. If you’re not passionate about the job or your industry, rethink your application. The people working at the startup are passionate and whether your interview is through online video or in person, they’ll be able to sense your lack of enthusiasm right away. If you match their passion, you’ll match their company.

Be KnowledgeableMost startups are on the cutting edge of technology, which means they’ve also got a substantial web presence. If you go into the interview with little knowledge of what the company is all about, you’re not getting the job. After all you can most likely check out their website, Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook or Tumblr to find out more. With all this social media at your fingertips, it’s easier than ever to research a company and to reach out and make a connection.

Be PersonableAs mentioned, most startups are small enterprises filled with passionate people. They’re also filled with people you’ll need to be working with in a collaborative environment. If the hiring manager thinks you’re a talented nightmare, you won’t be hired. After all, they’ll become very intimate with your personality quirks. Make sure your personality leaves a good impression during your interviewer so they’ll want to see your smiling face everyday!

What are some tips to get a great startup job? Share them in the comments!

Josh Tolan is the CEO of SparkHire.com, which combines a video job board and online interviewing platform to enrich interaction between job seekers and employers. Connect with him and Spark Hire on Facebook and Twitter.